Faulty AC blamed for school evacuation

By Robert Stanton |
January 31, 2013

A belching air-conditioning unit forced the evacuation of students and staff from a Pearland elementary school early Thursday, a school district official said.

Staff members at Magnolia Elementary School called Pearland firefighters to investigate a strong burning odor in the cafeteria and gymnasium area, said Courtney Bajusz, spokeswoman at the Pearland Independent School District. The problem, she said, turned out to be a broken AC unit.

"The AC unit broke down overnight, causing the motor to overheat and emit a burnt rubber odor," Bajusz said. "The unit was shut off, and the smell is going away. Students and staff safely entered the building after firefighters gave an all-clear."

Most of the almost 800 students at the school were outside when the problem occurred shortly after 7 a.m. Firefighters gave the all-clear around 8 a.m. -- just in time for classes to begin.